Heal the world

Naturopathy

Looking for a more holistic approach to health than the one we traditionally employ in North America? Naturopathic medicine might be for you. Addressing the root causes of illness, naturopaths provide primary health care using a broad range of alternative therapies including acupuncture, botanical medicine and massage.

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is the only school in Ontario offering post-graduate education in naturopathic medicine. Students must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations. Tuition is comparable to traditional medical school - $19,474 annually - plus a variety of fees.

IF YOU GO

Duration of program: Four years of post-university study

Projected earning potential: Many naturopaths work for themselves, so pay can range from $25,000 to over $100,000 per year.

Midwifery

Many birthing mothers experience the presence of a midwife for either a home or hospital delivery as the ideal way to bring new life into the world. Midwives are experts in pregnancy, birth and newborn care. If you want to help women make informed decisions - in a province that is more open to midwifery than most - then this field might be right for you.

In Ontario, midwifery programs are offered by Ryerson, Laurentian and McMaster Universities. Tuition ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per year.

Physiotherapy

Using drug-free methods like exercise, manual therapy, acupuncture and ultrasound, physiotherapists bring pain relief and improve joint mobility, strength, coordination and respiratory function in people of all ages.

At one time, physiotherapists only needed to have a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree is now required. Western, McMaster, U of T, Ottawa and Queen's all offer such degrees. Tuition ranges from about $5,578 to $9,841 per year.

IF YOU GO

Duration of program: Two years of post-graduate study

Projected earning potential: Physiotherapists in Ontario generally make $45,000 to $80,000, although lead physiotherapists can earn over $100,000.